Kota bharu: The federal government has allocated RM28 million to the Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation (PKINK) for the purpose of upgrading Bazar Siti Aisyah. PKINK Group senior manager (Entrepreneur Development and Investment) Ahmad Hilmi Mohd Nawawi announced that the project is scheduled to take 36 months, with an expected completion date set for December 2028.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Hilmi explained that the project aims to enhance existing structures and facilities to provide a more comfortable environment for both traders and visitors. The initiative also seeks to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in batik and handicrafts. He provided these details during a briefing at the Media Tour @ Prime Minister's Department Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU JPM), Kelantan.

Ahmad Hilmi also mentioned that the 41-year-old bazaar, also known as Bazar Buluh Kubu, is famous for its handicrafts, local fabrics such as songket and batik, brassware, wood carvings, as well as traditional food and delicacies. The project's scope includes the expansion of shop units, a proposed hall, improvements to electrical infrastructure, drainage systems, septic tanks, and additional parking spaces.

ICU JPM director Dr. Wan Nur Ibtisam Wan Ismail highlighted that the development project aims to go beyond infrastructure improvements, focusing on socio-economic enhancement for the local community. She stated that a primary focus of the programme is to outline socio-economic project implementation strategies to ensure that the community experiences the benefits comprehensively. Additionally, the programme serves as a platform for federal and state agencies to collaborate with media practitioners in providing accurate information to the public.